If your child is scheduled for a frenectomy, you probably have a few questions about what to expect afterward. A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that removes or modifies the frenum, a small fold of tissue fused to the floor of the mouth or beneath the tongue or each lip. It’s commonly performed to treat tongue-tie or lip-tie, which can affect speech, nursing/eating, and oral development. Fortunately, recovery from a frenectomy is usually quick and relatively easy.
The First 24 to 48 Hours: Immediate Recovery
Right after the procedure, your child may experience some mild discomfort, swelling, or sensitivity in the treated area, but they will be able to feed immediately. A laser is used instead of traditional surgical tools, so there is often less bleeding and a quicker initial healing process. Most children feel well enough to eat soft foods within hours, and many return to their normal routine within a day or two.
Over-the-counter pain relief (as directed by your pediatrician or dentist) and cold compresses can help ease any discomfort. Younger children may be a bit fussy the first day, but this is usually short-lived.
Days 3 to 7: Healing and Stretching
By the third day, any soreness typically begins to subside. The surgical site may appear white or yellowish; do not be alarmed as this is a normal part of the healing process, not an infection. To prevent the tissue from reattaching, your dentist will recommend stretching exercises. These gentle movements are key to maintaining the improved range of motion in the tongue or lip and preventing the frenum from tightening again.
Here are instructions for performing these exercises:
- Gently lift the tongue towards the roof of the mouth as high as it will go using two fingers. Hold it there for two seconds before letting it fall back onto your finger.
- Place a finger under your child’s upper lip and move it carefully from side to side for a couple of seconds.
- Gently massage each side of the treatment area to keep the muscles in your child’s tongue loose.
One to Two Weeks: Significant Improvement
Most children experience significant healing within 7 to 14 days. If the frenectomy was performed to correct speech or feeding issues, you may start noticing progress as early as this stage, especially when paired with follow-up care.
Three to Four Weeks: Full Recovery
Complete healing usually occurs within 3 to 4 weeks. At this point, the tissue has fully closed, and the benefits of the procedure, like easier speech, more comfortable nursing, and better oral hygiene, become more apparent.
Every child is different, and healing time can vary slightly depending on age, individual health, and the type of procedure performed. Your dentist will give you personalized aftercare instructions to support a smooth recovery.
It can be hard to watch your child go through a medical procedure, but recovery from a frenectomy is typically fast and straightforward for children and will only make life better for them. Most are back to their usual selves within a few days, with full healing in a few weeks. With a little care, encouragement, and consistency, your child will be well on their way to improved comfort and function!
About the Author
Dr. Jesse Witkoff is a board-certified pediatric dentist with over four decades of experience helping his patients and parents learn about oral tissues like lip and tongue-ties. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and went on to earn his certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. If your child needs a frenectomy, Dr. Witkoff and our team use laser treatment to provide patients with faster, safer, and more precise treatment. Book your appointment today by visiting our website or calling our Boulder office at (720) 743-3340.